House of Dance & Feathers

- 1317 Tupelo St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Nestled in the heart of the Lower Ninth Ward, the House of Dance & Feathers is a one-of-a-kind museum that serves as a living tribute to the vibrant culture of New Orleans, particularly the traditions of Mardi Gras Indians and second lines. More than just a collection of artifacts, this museum is a personal and intimate look into the city’s deep-rooted cultural heritage, brought to life by the stories and dedication of its founder, the late Ronald W. Lewis. The museum is renowned for its authenticity and the personal touch it provides to visitors, offering an experience that is deeply tied to the community it represents. It is a place that celebrates the unique artistry and history of a part of New Orleans that is essential to the city’s identity.

As a non-traditional museum, the House of Dance & Feathers operates out of a home, which immediately sets it apart from larger, more formal institutions. This personal setting is part of its charm, providing an intimate and immersive experience that is deeply connected to the people and culture it showcases. The museum is a testament to the resilience and creative spirit of New Orleans and its people. Visitors often describe their experience as highly personal and enriching, praising the detailed stories and context provided by the hosts. A review from a satisfied visitor notes, "I highly, highly recommend visiting House of Dance & Feathers... it was amazing!" This sentiment captures the profound impact the museum has on those who take the time to visit.

The museum is a fantastic educational resource, particularly for children, as it presents history in a way that is both accessible and engaging. It offers a chance to see and feel the culture of Mardi Gras Indians up close, from the intricate beadwork and feather suits to the personal stories behind them. The House of Dance & Feathers is not just a repository of objects; it is a repository of stories, memories, and a living tradition. It stands as a vital piece of the community, preserving and sharing a culture that is central to New Orleans, and it is a must-visit for anyone who wants to understand the true spirit of the city beyond the well-trodden tourist paths.

The House of Dance & Feathers is located at 1317 Tupelo St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA. Situated in the historic Lower Ninth Ward, the museum’s location is an essential part of its identity, placing it right in the heart of the community it represents. For those visiting from other parts of the city or from out of town, getting to the museum requires some planning, but its location offers a unique opportunity to explore a significant and historically rich New Orleans neighborhood.

Accessibility is a key priority for the museum, which offers several features to accommodate all visitors. It has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. These accommodations ensure that everyone, regardless of mobility, can experience the rich cultural offerings of the museum. This commitment to inclusivity is a testament to the museum's community-focused mission.

Navigating to and from the museum can be a part of the adventure. While one review notes that getting a cab back can be challenging, it also provides helpful tips for public transportation and walking. A bus route runs down nearby St. Claude Ave, and for those who enjoy walking, there's a pedestrian walkway on the St. Claude Ave bridge that connects to the Bywater neighborhood. This walk offers a chance to see more of the local scenery and provides a deeper connection to the city. While the museum is not in the most heavily trafficked tourist areas, its location provides a genuine and immersive experience that is unlike any other museum in New Orleans. It requires a bit of planning, but the journey to the House of Dance & Feathers is well worth the effort for an authentic cultural experience.

The House of Dance & Feathers offers a specialized and deeply personal service that sets it apart from traditional museums. Its core offering is a guided, intimate tour through a curated collection of artifacts and personal items that tell the story of a specific part of New Orleans' cultural heritage. The services are not a one-size-fits-all experience but are tailored to the visitor by a knowledgeable host.

• Personalized Guided Tours: The primary service offered is a guided tour, where a host, such as the late Ronald Lewis or Miss Minnie, walks visitors through the exhibits. This personal attention allows for a deep dive into the history and significance of the items on display. As one reviewer noted, the host "walked me through all of the wonderful items in the museum and put them all in multiple different contexts." This personal interaction is a key part of the experience.
• Educational Experience: The museum provides an exceptional educational experience, particularly for children. It offers a tangible look at New Orleans culture that goes beyond what can be found in a textbook. The exhibits are not just static displays; they are living stories that are explained with passion and context, making the information more memorable and impactful.
• Cultural Immersion: More than just seeing artifacts, visitors are given a chance to immerse themselves in the stories of the community. The museum's collections, which are rooted in the personal experiences of Mr. Lewis, offer a unique window into the world of Mardi Gras Indians and second lines. This cultural immersion is a core part of the service provided.
• Book Sales: The museum also offers the opportunity to purchase educational materials, such as the book compiled by Mr. Ronald Lewis and Rachel Breunlin, providing visitors with a tangible memento and further information to take home with them. This service extends the learning experience beyond the visit itself.

These services, from the personalized tours to the educational resources, highlight the museum's commitment to providing a rich and meaningful experience for every visitor. The focus is on storytelling and personal connection, making it a truly unique cultural institution in New Orleans.

The House of Dance & Feathers is filled with unique features and highlights that make it a standout destination for anyone interested in New Orleans culture. These aspects are what give the museum its authentic charm and enduring appeal.

• Personal and Intimate Setting: The museum operates out of a home, which creates a highly personal and intimate experience. This setting allows for a level of connection to the history and culture that is impossible to replicate in a larger, more formal museum. Visitors feel as though they are guests in a home, not just tourists in a gallery.
• Authentic Cultural Artifacts: The collection is a testament to the personal passion and dedication of its founder, Ronald Lewis. It is filled with authentic Mardi Gras Indian suits, second line paraphernalia, and other cultural artifacts that are deeply tied to the community’s history. The items are not just on display; they are part of a personal story.
• Personalized Storytelling: The opportunity to be "regaled with stories of personal experiences and history," as one review notes, is a major highlight. The human element, provided by the guides, is what brings the artifacts to life and provides a rich context that formal plaques simply cannot. The stories add layers of meaning to every item.
• Accessibility for All: A significant feature is the museum’s commitment to accessibility, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom. This ensures that the cultural experience is available to everyone, demonstrating the museum’s inclusive and welcoming spirit.
• Community-Rooted Experience: The museum is deeply rooted in the Lower Ninth Ward community. It’s not just about a collection of objects; it's about preserving and sharing the culture of a specific neighborhood that is integral to the city’s identity. The experience is an honest and raw look into a culture that is often oversimplified.

These features, from the personal setting to the authentic storytelling, make the House of Dance & Feathers a highly recommended and truly unforgettable cultural experience in New Orleans.

For those who wish to experience this unique cultural gem, the House of Dance & Feathers can be contacted using the following information:

• Address: 1317 Tupelo St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
• Phone: (504) 905-6006

It is highly recommended, as one satisfied customer did, to call ahead and schedule a visit. This ensures that a host is available to provide a personalized and in-depth tour, which is the core of the museum’s experience. Speaking with a host directly allows you to confirm a time for your visit and ask any questions you might have about the museum. The physical address is essential for navigation, and it's helpful to be aware of the museum's location in the Lower Ninth Ward when planning your transportation. The phone number is the most crucial tool for planning your visit to this non-traditional museum. A call can provide insights on the best time to visit and can clarify any logistical details about getting to and from the site. This direct communication is what makes a visit to the House of Dance & Feathers such a unique and personal experience, allowing you to connect with the museum and its hosts even before you arrive.

What is worth choosing about the House of Dance & Feathers is its unparalleled authenticity and personal touch. While a review from a tourist expressed some disappointment with a perceived lack of guidance on one particular day, it is clear from a highly positive review that the experience can be "amazing" when a host is available to provide a full context. The museum is not a typical tourist destination with static displays and self-guided tours; it is a living tribute to a culture, and the value is in the human connection and the stories that accompany the artifacts. The experience of having a passionate host, such as the late Ronald Lewis or Miss Minnie, walk you through the collection and put the items into "multiple different contexts- family, community, local history, world history and Katrina," as one visitor noted, is something that cannot be found in a more traditional institution.

The museum's accessibility is also a strong point, demonstrating a commitment to making its cultural treasures available to everyone. The wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking, and restroom show a level of thoughtfulness that is not always present in smaller, private museums. Moreover, the museum is "good for kids," offering a perfect opportunity for families to learn about a vital part of New Orleans' heritage in a way that is both educational and engaging. The sheer wealth of cultural history packed into a personal setting makes every visit a deeply meaningful and eye-opening experience.

In essence, choosing to visit the House of Dance & Feathers is choosing to step beyond the facade of tourism and into the heart of New Orleans' true cultural soul. It is an act of supporting and celebrating a community-driven effort to preserve history and a chance to engage with a story that is as rich and complex as the city itself. For those in Louisiana and beyond who seek an authentic and deeply personal understanding of the city's unique traditions, the House of Dance & Feathers is not just a place to visit; it is an experience to be cherished.

House of Dance & Feathers

1317 Tupelo St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA